French Open 2022 - Rafael Nadal's PR manager denies talk of retirement press conference following final

ByAlex Livie

Updated 05/06/2022 at 10:42 GMT

Rafael Nadal is one win away from a 14th French Open title and 22nd major, but talk ahead of his clash with Casper Ruud on Court Philippe-Chatrier has been about his fitness and how long he will continue playing. His agent has denied talk of a retirement press conference. Stream the 2022 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+.

Rafael Nadal is preparing for the French Open final, and his PR manager has moved to deny talk of a retirement press conference.

Nadal arrived in Paris with concerns over a long-standing foot complaint, and he had spoken about being unsure how long he could continue competing.

His form at Roland-Garros has been impressive, and after beating Novak Djokovic in an epic quarter-final encounter, he advanced to the final when Alexander Zverev was forced to concede defeat due to a serious ankle injury.

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The focus is on the final with Casper Ruud on Sunday afternoon, but reports swirled that his team had asked for a second press conference - irrespective of the result of the final.

That was interpreted by some as a suggestion that Nadal would announce his retirement from the sport, but his agency has denied the claims.

In a statement, Benito Perez-Barbadillo denied the suggestion that Nadal requested a second press conference, saying the rumour was 'false'.

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• 'I am unsure which Rafa will show up' - Evert has fitness concerns for Nadal

Following Nadal's win over Zverev, where he looked fatigued, Eurosport expert Chris Evert said she was unsure how the 36-year-old's body would cope in the final, but said she expected the 13-time French Open champion to fight hard for the win.

'I wonder which Rafa will show up' - Evert previews Ruud v Nadal in French Open final

“Rafa I felt like today, even though he has such fight, he was maybe a step slower as he has had such gruelling matches,” Evert said in the Eurosport studio. “I am unsure which Rafa will show up.

“I have no fear he will not be the Rafa in the past, but you just never know with your body and with the pressure.”

There has also been talk Nadal would skip Wimbledon this year, although his agent said no decision had been made and he featured on the entry list published on Saturday.

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Stream the 2022 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+.

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